PAVEMENTS in Andover are in such poor condition council bosses were forced to pay out nearly £50,000 to fall victims in just 12 months, the Advertiser can reveal.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that Hampshire County Council paid out £49,635,50 to compensate claimants who had taken tumbles in the town between October 2013 and October 2014. The figure is £20,000 higher than the total amount in Romsey and 15 times higher than in Basingstoke.

The council said the Andover figure relates to four separate incidents caused by problems including a defective kerb, cracked steps and an uneven surface – incidents which happened over a three-year period.

Richard Kidd, 55, who originally requested the information, is concerned about the paving in town and hopes more money is put into remedial works.

The Danegeld Close resident, a part-time doorkeeper at Andover Central Club, said: “If the problem had been remedied then people would not have to be paid off and they wouldn’t need NHS treatment, which is also costing national government.

“It could be even worse because there are people out there who have fallen over and injured themselves but won’t claim because they don’t agree with the compensation culture.”

Asked what he would like the county council to do, Mr Kidd said: “I would like them to be more proactive and listen when people make complaints.”

HCC’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, councillor Sean Woodward, called them “unfortunate incidents” and urged residents to report any defects to the authority as soon as possible.

He said: “Although this is a large amount of money, it is for four claims that relate to four different causes. We know that there has been a historical issue with the paving slabs in Andover, but this would suggest these were unfortunate incidents of which only a possible two could be related to paving slabs. The safety of all residents is our first concern and any reported defect is investigated immediately to assess the risk to road users and pedestrians. We continue to invest in the area and keep on top of any issues, with a gang in the area only last week relaying blocks, while keeping the suitability of the slab surfacing under review.

“I would urge people to report any defect they see to us online at hants.gov.uk/ roadproblems so we can keep on top of the situation.”